Misunderstood, Misanthropic Oklahoma Math Teacher Does Her Duty To Uphold the Law

DECEMBER 22--A 13-year-old boy was arrested Friday for using a permanent marker while in class at his Oklahoma City middle school, a violation of an obscure city ordinance.

But the ordinance was not obscure to a vigilant math teacher, DeLynn Woodside. With one eye on her students and the other on enforcing the law, Woodside spotted one of her 13 year-old students in flagrant violation of the law, according to an Oklahoma City Police Department report, when he was observed in possession of a permanent marker and actually using it. The 50 year-old educator told police officer Miguel Campos that moreover, the boy was using the Sharpie Permanent Marker to “writ(e) on a piece of paper, which caused it to bleed over onto the desk.”

Woodside, pictured at right, reported that the child, whose name was redacted by police from the report, attempted to hide the marker when she asked him for it. Strangely, Woodside’s Facebook page reveals that her “likes and interests” include the official “Sharpie Permanent Markers” page on Facebook. It was thought that the educator is opposed to permitting the use of the permanent markers by juveniles, who have not acquired sufficient maturity to be entrusted with a "permanent" marker.

Campos reported that he allowed Woodside, a seventh grade math teacher, to “sign a citation” against the boy, who was then transported to the Community Intervention Center, a juvenile holding facility. A police sergeant subsequently “booked the marker into the property room as evidence.”

A police spokesman referred to the student’s bust as a “citizen’s arrest” effectuated by Woodside.

The marker ban--which apparently is aimed at curbing graffiti--stems from a city ordinance making it illegal to possess spray paint or a permanent marker on private property (without the owner’s permission). It was unclear whether or not jail time for the law-violating youth would be sought by the District Attorney's office.

The teacher apparently needs continuing ed classes in the use of the English language because "public" schools are not "private" property and not subject to the ordinance.